Last night we participated in the Relay for Life fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. It's an all-night relay walk, held in a park near us. It's for all cancers and is attended by survivors, caregivers, relatives, supporters, etc. I commented at some point that is was nice that there was no one smoking (I don't smoke and hate the smell of it) and my wife said something like "it would be a little crazy for someone to come to a cancer fundraiser and smoke". I commented that people who smoke are addicted to it and can't really control it, so they smoke no matter what, no matter where.

Soon after that, we were walking the track and in front of us someone was smoking. He was not a survivor (the survivors wore different colored shirts) and was not a caregiver (they had a special sash) so he was there in support of someone I imagine. He was walking with two kids and two other adults.

Should American Cancer Society fundraisers be non-smoking?

--Chris

No, I think this non-smoking thing is getting out of hand. I personally don't smoke, but I feel it's wrong to alienate smokers because they do. Although smoking is one factor to consider with lung cancer what about other factors that contribute to lung cancer? Should they be banned as well? Should we have no cars allowed because pollution can lead to lung cancer?

I am going to tell you what I really think. I think everywhere should be non smoking. I hate sitting behind a smoker in my car, I hate walking anywhere someone is blowing their smoke anywhere I can smell it, And I really just don't like the stench of cigs anymore. Furthermore, I don't think smokers should continue to litter the ground with their cig. butts. I wish we could gather them all up and send them back to the inconsiderate folks that toss them on the ground. I really dont have any pitty for the rights of smokers because I was one 10 years ago. It is a choice to smoke but not a choice for the rest of us to breath so we should not have to enjoy their fix. So, my answer is HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Cancer walk or no I still say no smoking anywhere that your smoke can reach my pink lungs. And I know I am unreasonable so don't tell me. I don't care.

Cbas5, I originally tried to think if all the causes of cancer would lead to no march at all because nobody would be completely clean so I focused on that which I hate and the question.

Here's a question, should the ACS get the money they raise? Although the message is a little confusing:doh , it sounds like he's getting his kids into the "fund-raising" spirit as well. The only argument I could see is "he's creating second-hand smoke". I wonder how much fried foods and sugary drinks are at the Heart Disease fundraisers.:laugh

In many states here in the Midwest, smoking has been banned, by the state governments, in buildings. I think that this will significantly curb the number of adults smoking. I DO think it is REALLY REALLY BAD to smoke.

:geek However, its people's right to take the risk (even though cancer and heart attack are the leading causes of conventional death in the world; smoking can have negative affects on both). Did you know that most surgical groups will turn you down if you need a heart transplant and you had an incident of cancer in the past? Many medications used for transplant recovery may promote pre-existing cancerous tissue growth.

I had smoked here and there:smoke , but stopped awhile ago. Here's some interesting things I noticed: While speaking to a leading lung surgeon about medical school, he enjoyed a few cigarettes during our conversation.:frownthre Additionally, speaking with an anesthesiologist for heart surgery, he said that all patients are instructed to stop smoking months before the operation... before the operation, blood Oxygen levels suggest that many were smoking within 12 hours of surgery.:(

Funny, the organizer of the one local to here smokes. I participated, it was a good day.

Another thing, they serve HOTDOGS! the most carcinagenic food known.

When I think about all the efforts and campaigns that have been made throughout my lifetime to get people to quit smoking (including myself), I realize that the American Cancer Society has been leading the charge each and every time.

I'm an ex-smoker and a cancer survivor who regularly participates in the Relay for Life. As far as I'm concerned, the ACS has the moral authority to dictate that their fundraisers be nonsmoking events and should definitely be doing so. I appreciate the efforts of ACS volunteers who smoke but they need to remember what the ACS stands for and govern their conduct accordingly. Comparing smoking to other known or reputed causes of lung cancer is in my opinion an invalid argument-of all the causes of lung cancer, smoking is the leading and most preventable.

No, I think this non-smoking thing is getting out of hand. I personally don't smoke, but I feel it's wrong to alienate smokers because they do. Although smoking is one factor to consider with lung cancer what about other factors that contribute to lung cancer? Should they be banned as well? Should we have no cars allowed because pollution can lead to lung cancer?
If you'd like to read about some of those myths about other things contributing to cancer, you can read here:
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_11_1_Pollution_Versus_Tobacco.asp

And in case you haven't noticed, the EPA is trying pretty hard to reduce emissions. Ever heard that Harleys run lean or that they have EFI or catalytic converters to reduce emissions?

Why should someone smoking near me be allowed to damage me with their carcinogens? They have no right to harm me. And it's a scientifically proven fact, stated by the surgeon general, that second hand smoke kills:

"The scientific evidence is now indisputable: Secondhand smoke is not a mere annoyance. It is a serious health hazard that can lead to disease and premature death in children and nonsmoking adults."

But I was not going to debate the fact that other people smoking harms me and my kids. I just thought it was hypocritical that someone would be at a cancer walk and smoking. I just don't get it.

--Chris

When I think about all the efforts and campaigns that have been made throughout my lifetime to get people to quit smoking (including myself), I realize that the American Cancer Society has been leading the charge each and every time.

I'm an ex-smoker and a cancer survivor who regularly participates in the Relay for Life. As far as I'm concerned, the ACS has the moral authority to dictate that their fundraisers be nonsmoking events and should definitely be doing so. I appreciate the efforts of ACS volunteers who smoke but they need to remember what the ACS stands for and govern their conduct accordingly. Comparing smoking to other known or reputed causes of lung cancer is in my opinion an invalid argument-of all the causes of lung cancer, smoking is the leading and most preventable.
Congrats on quitting and being a cancer survivor. Since you've been on these fundraisers, you know the heart-wrenching stories that some survivors tell. It's unbelievable. I'm glad you're a survivor. I met some really neat people there last night.

I agree that they could have designated this a non-smoking event. Maybe it was, I really don't know. People will still smoke.

--Chris

It's called the American Cancer Society, not the American Smoking Cessation Society....:smoke

Seriously, tho. MANY Cardiovascular surgeons, Cardiologists, Pulmonologists, etc. are officers in the society and.....yes many of them DO smoke. If they were to dictate that you couldn't go anywhere near their benefits if you smoke, it would put a serious dent in participation and donations. I've been involved with the American Heart Association, the Lung Society, and the American Cancer Society. It has always surprised me to see a number of the organizers off in a corner or behind a wall "secret smoking", but it's a fact of life....

If you'd like to read about some of those myths about other things contributing to cancer, you can read here:
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/co...us_Tobacco.asp

And in case you haven't noticed, the EPA is trying pretty hard to reduce emissions. Ever heard that Harleys run lean or that they have EFI or catalytic converters to reduce emissions?

Why should someone smoking near me be allowed to damage me with their carcinogens? They have no right to harm me. And it's a scientifically proven fact, stated by the surgeon general, that second hand smoke kills:


I am not an expert by any means about what causes lung cancer. However, I know there are other factors. I tried to look up some statistics about how much of it is due to smoking and it seems that with direct smoking the statistics are high but vary greatly from one to the other. So there is some inconsistency there.

Either way, I am still always about personal choice to the very end. EVERY one of us has our vices. Yours may not be smoking. Maybe it is something else like alcohol, women, sex, other addictions, etc. I have never met anybody without a vice and you can argue that in each of those cases it effects other people. So I am willing to except other people. If you wanted to try hard, then you can find something about someone else that will annoy you.

When you used to go into a restaurant you had a non-smoking section (helped you avoid second hand smoke) and a smoking section for smokers. As far as I am concerned that allowed both people to live with each other. Now it went from that to no smoking everywhere. I think that's wrong. It's possible for both to co-exist.


Here is another statistic that I found, which I'm not sure about its accuracy:

It has been estimated that up to 2,000 lung cancer deaths per year may be attributable to breathing polluted air, and many experts believe that prolonged exposure to highly polluted air can carry a risk for the development of lung cancer similar to that of passive smoking.

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=53012

So yes the EPA has worked to reduce pollution, but it seems that it contributes to lung cancer as much as second hand smoking. Maybe the event should be held out in the boonies and people bussed via electric cars to limit that exposure?

I'm an ex-smoker and a cancer survivor who regularly participates in the Relay for Life. As far as I'm concerned, the ACS has the moral authority to dictate that their fundraisers be nonsmoking events and should definitely be doing so. I appreciate the efforts of ACS volunteers who smoke but they need to remember what the ACS stands for and govern their conduct accordingly. Comparing smoking to other known or reputed causes of lung cancer is in my opinion an invalid argument-of all the causes of lung cancer, smoking is the leading and most preventable.

i'm glad that you are a survivor, that in itself is an achievement.

but, i think that to do what you suggest above could be cutting off your nose to spite your face. there area a great many people who volunteer their time and effort and i'm sure that a lot of them smoke too. if you were to say thanks but no thanks, you would be losing a lot of good people.

Either way, I am still always about personal choice to the very end. EVERY one of us has our vices. Yours may not be smoking. Maybe it is something else like alcohol, women, sex, other addictions, etc. I have never met anybody without a vice and you can argue that in each of those cases it effects other people. So I am willing to except other people. If you wanted to try hard, then you can find something about someone else that will annoy you.

People should not have the right to damage my health with their vice. I doubt you can argue that any vice affects other people. I could argue against people drinking then doing something that puts people in danger, but there are laws against that already. That's the point. I think people are starting to realize just how dangerous smoking is for the smoker or the people around them. People do not have the right do harm me. I just generally avoid places where smoking is allowed.

If I chose to change the oil in my bike and I get the used oil on my hands, I am subjecting myself to a carcinogen, not anyone else. If I starting spraying used motor oil on the people working near me, then you could argue I shouldn't be spreading a carcinogen.


When you used to go into a restaurant you had a non-smoking section (helped you avoid second hand smoke) and a smoking section for smokers. As far as I am concerned that allowed both people to live with each other. Now it went from that to no smoking everywhere. I think that's wrong. It's possible for both to co-exist.


Actually, they found that dining in a non-smoking section did not significantly reduce expose to smoke.

Nonsmoking Sections Of Smoking Bars And Restaurants Still Get Significant Doses Of Carcinogens, Particulates, Study Shows (from medicalnewstoday.com (http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=55576) )

And the stat you found "It has been estimated that up to 2,000 lung cancer deaths per year may be attributable to breathing polluted air" is laughable when you consider that almost 1 of every 5 deaths in the US is caused by smoking. One in Five. Nearly 440,000 people per year die in the US from tobacco use. That's a lot more than up to 2000 people from polluted air.

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_10_2X_Cigarette_Smoking_and_Cancer.asp

And the stat you found "It has been estimated that up to 2,000 lung cancer deaths per year may be attributable to breathing polluted air" is laughable when you consider that almost 1 of every 5 deaths in the US is caused by smoking. One in Five. Nearly 440,000 people per year die in the US from tobacco use. That's a lot more than up to 2000 people from polluted air.

Sure, a lot more people die from DIRECTLY smoking. However, that statistic was saying that pollution caused roughly as many deaths as SECOND HAND smoking. That is what you were complaining about that effects you: second hand smoking.

You have a nice modified bike, right? Do you think that has any chance of meeting EPA pollutions standards? I think it's safe to say no. So by riding around on it you may have been contributing as much to lung cancer as smoking a cigarette and someone else inhaling the smoke. How much? I don't really know? Maybe a 10 min ride is the same as smoking 1 cigarrete and maybe it's much less or more. So if pollution and second hand smoking cause the SAME amount of risk to lung cancer, then why not have people carpool or bus to the event as well?

People should not have the right to damage my health with their vice. I doubt you can argue that any vice affects other people. I could argue against people drinking then doing something that puts people in danger, but there are laws against that already. That's the point. I think people are starting to realize just how dangerous smoking is for the smoker or the people around them. People do not have the right do harm me. I just generally avoid places where smoking is allowed.

If I chose to change the oil in my bike and I get the used oil on my hands, I am subjecting myself to a carcinogen, not anyone else. If I starting spraying used motor oil on the people working near me, then you could argue I shouldn't be spreading a carcinogen.

This is a more interesting point. I will have to think about it if other vices have the same effect. So far nothing comes off the top of my head.

One thing is that no matter what your vice is you will still effect people close to you. If anything happens to you and you lead a self-destructive life because of vices than family and friends suffer. If it is something that leads to medical attention, then you effect other people by raising their insurance rates. Riding a motorcycle you are probably doing it already. You contribute to the deaths on the road by driving a very unsafe machine and thus raise health insurance. Motorcycles had less strict emissions standards until recently so you contributed to pollution effecting others. Motorcycles go through tires really quickly as well dont' they? Doesn't that aid in filling up landfills? That effects other people. Then with an aftermarket exhaust you annoy more people: being a noise "terrorist" (not my term).

You have a nice modified bike, right? Do you think that has any chance of meeting EPA pollutions standards? I think it's safe to say no.

Actually, when I lived in Phoenix, motorcycles had to be emission tested, and mine passed. So much for that argument. An efficient machine burns cleanly and can pass emissions.

As for the rest of your arguments, they are a stretch too. I'm not buying any of them.

--Chris

i'm glad that you are a survivor, that in itself is an achievement.

but, i think that to do what you suggest above could be cutting off your nose to spite your face. there area a great many people who volunteer their time and effort and i'm sure that a lot of them smoke too. if you were to say thanks but no thanks, you would be losing a lot of good people.

Thanks skratch. I totally understand your point, and I'm not saying that there wouldn't be repercussions if the ACS were to ban smoking at their fundraisers. I don't even know if that's their current policy. I do believe, however, that they have the clout and credibility to overcome any negative consequences that might result from banning smoking at their fundraisers.

Besides, isn't smoking at an American Cancer Society fundraiser sort of like going to a George Custer Appreciation Society dinner dressed as Sitting Bull?:D

Actually, when I lived in Phoenix, motorcycles had to be emission tested, and mine passed. So much for that argument. An efficient machine burns cleanly and can pass emissions.

Now that is really cool. I never thought it would pass emissions with what you had done to it, but that's another topic.

As for the rest of your arguments, they are a stretch too. I'm not buying any of them.

Are they a stretch? If you asked people about second hand smoking years ago they would have probably called wanting to ban smoking a stretch. Remember when all cars came with cigarette ligthers and ash trays? My friend's parents had a buick that had an ash tray for each passenger. :smoke

The last thing I will say is that we'll just have to agree to disagree. I don't smoke and I don't plan to start, but I don't support smokers being chased out of public places either. If the vents they used didn't work previously, then that doesn't mean they couldn't invent something that could let both smokers and non-smokers coexist.

I would have to say we're making progress now with all the overwhelming evidence that smoking is bad for you. People would have thought it was crazy to ban smoking before, sure. We're smarter now. We once thought Agent Orange (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agent_Orange) was a good herbicide and that Thalidomide (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thalidomide) was a good medicine for morning sickness too.

I saw a Cadillac once that had an ashtray for every seat, I think there were at least 6 of them.

--Chris

Damn, you guys must be young. I'm only 44 and when I was in my 20's ALL cars had at least 4 ash trays.

If you'd like to read about some of those myths about other things contributing to cancer, you can read here:
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_11_1_Pollution_Versus_Tobacco.asp

And in case you haven't noticed, the EPA is trying pretty hard to reduce emissions. Ever heard that Harleys run lean or that they have EFI or catalytic converters to reduce emissions?

Why should someone smoking near me be allowed to damage me with their carcinogens? They have no right to harm me. And it's a scientifically proven fact, stated by the surgeon general, that second hand smoke kills:



But I was not going to debate the fact that other people smoking harms me and my kids. I just thought it was hypocritical that someone would be at a cancer walk and smoking. I just don't get it.

--Chris

Funny stuff....

Chris, look at your own avatar....

You wanna know the primary causes of lung cancer?

That's a biggie right there.....

I'm offended by it, and I think it should be banned (your avatar, I mean) :laugh

The FACT is that data can only be analyzed if it can be collected, and THEN there needs to be a cause/effect relationship established....

Smoking is a no-brainer, so to speak.....easy to draw those conclusions on common sense alone, so it makes for good press.... :D

I AM a smoker, but I'm not trying to say it does no damage...that would be silly.....but will we now look at second hand smoke as a causde of non-smokers cancers?

Why, yes we WILL! Why? Same reason....

I'm not gonna do the scrambling around to link to data to show you other scientific data that HASN'T been linked, if only for the global effect of the pollutants AND the responsibilities that go along with an established cause/effect relationship.....but I AM saying that, as a naturalist and an environmentalist, I am CONVINCED that lung cancers are NOT primarily caused by smoking.....

Cars, Busses, Trucks, Trains, FACTORIES, where one lives, even the quality of one's own air in the HOME (see: Radon) ALL have effects...

I believe, personally, that these effects are ALL cumulative....

To answer the question....If they can raise the money without smokers, that should be their decision...I don't think they'd touch the issue, myself....

I'm a cancer survivor, as well, I should add.....

I do not smoke and I hate smelling other peoples smoke. It was great moving from Las Vegas where you could smoke anywhere, (at least when I was there) to Southern California where no one smokes inside. But that is my opinion.

I work in rehabilitation hospitals as a rehab therapist. Some of my patients don't survive. The fact is, dying from lung cancer or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder) is the WORST way to die. Those people suffer far more and far longer than anyone else.

I perfer to take my risks on a motorcycle.

I'm an ex-smoker, 21 years in 6 out and I quit because of the commercials and the unhealthy feeling I had because of smoking. I'm not encouraged by either side of this thread. I feel the "non" side is being very intolerant and the "pro" side is being ignorant as well as intolerant. It is silly in this day and age to think that smoking is not a health risk to yourself and those around you in a confined space. It is also rude to blame a smoker for the air you breathe when you are surrounded by clean air.

I started smoking when I was 9 years old. We didn't have labels on cigarette packs saying that it caused cancer. We grew up on candy cigarettes. By the time C. Everett Koop was running things I was well on my way to addiction. I quit my first time in '94 and probably quit a hundred times until it stuck in 2001.

My point is this, these people that are trying to support the ACS but still smoke might not want to but have to. You try to defend your choice of riding a motorcycle but any vehicle emissions are dangerous if directly inhaled. An argument could be made that you should ride a bicycle or walk. I guess my point is to try tolerance and a little bit of pity. Cigarettes are an incredibly addictive drug and not everyone can be as perfect as you.

I'm with a lot of you here (Chris, Ralph). I can't stand the smell of smoke anywhere around me. It's great now to be able to go to ANY restaurant and not have to deal with the smoke. In the 'old' days, so many restaurants would create a non-smoking table in a smoke-filled room by just taking away the ashtray. :frownthre

As to Chris' original question, it does seem odd to be smoking at a Cancer Society fundraiser. It's like showing up at an AA meeting with a bottle of Jack Daniels.

Wow this thread took a crazy turn. I can't believe Pink Floyd album covers are a primary source of cancer! :p

I am not on a crusade to ban smoking, I just thought the one place that would be smoke free would be an anti-cancer fundraiser held in a park with kids. It didn't appear to be. I stated in the very first post that people who smoke cannot really control it, it's an addiction. And I do exercise my right to just not go into places that allow smoking. Simple solution.

The more places that ban smoking (businesses, towns, etc) the more places I can go and not be bothered by smoke. But I am not pushing any agenda. There are enough people fighting for the rights of non-smokers and smokers alike that I don't care to get involved in that.

--Chris

I'm an ex-smoker and a cancer survivor who regularly participates in the Relay for Life. As far as I'm concerned, the ACS has the moral authority to dictate that their fundraisers be nonsmoking events and should definitely be doing so. I appreciate the efforts of ACS volunteers who smoke but they need to remember what the ACS stands for and govern their conduct accordingly. Comparing smoking to other known or reputed causes of lung cancer is in my opinion an invalid argument-of all the causes of lung cancer, smoking is the leading and most preventable.

Here we go again, Sam!:smoke I don't feel they should ban smoking. The ACS is trying to raise money for a good cause. Imagine the increased price to society if they turn away help.

That having been said, I can think of very little in life that would be more tacky or taistless than lighting up at an American Cancer Society event. Should they really have to come out and say "This is a non-smoking event."

What next... protesting soldiers' funerals? That's right, we already have idiots trying to do that. Hey, I feel another cause in the making for the Patriot Guard.

Hope I didn't offend anyone, :doh
Mike

Smoking is ONLY ONE of a PLETHORA of reasons people get cancer. It would be like saying, "You can't participate in this benefit if: you have a genetic predisposition to cancer (any family member has had it...); you ever lived or worked in a house with asbestos in it; you live near or work in a petrochemical plant; you work in the tobacco industry; you work/live near electrical lines; etc. etc. ad nauseum.....

As to Chris' original question, it does seem odd to be smoking at a Cancer Society fundraiser. It's like showing up at an AA meeting with a bottle of Jack Daniels.

No, not really. It is like showing up to an AA meeting with an addictive personality. Smoking is not cancer, it is a risk for cancer.

Hot Rod Sporty - about 1/3 of cancers are caused by the use of tobacco products and another 1/3 are related to to obesity, lack of exercise, and poor diet.

http://www.nypcancerprevention.com/issue/5/con/features/cancer-surpasses-heart-di.shtml

--Chris

Smoking is ONLY ONE of a PLETHORA of reasons people get cancer. It would be like saying, "You can't participate in this benefit if: you have a genetic predisposition to cancer (any family member has had it...); you ever lived or worked in a house with asbestos in it; you live near or work in a petrochemical plant; you work in the tobacco industry; you work/live near electrical lines; etc. etc. ad nauseum.....

Come on Hot Rod ! It would be so tacky to bring asbestos with you to the fund raiser and create giant dust clouds.
A lot of people at these events are either survivors or have lost loved ones. Show your support and concern by choosing to not light up for the event.

WWJD (What Would James Do?),
Mike

Come on Hot Rod ! It would be so tacky to bring asbestos with you to the fund raiser and create giant dust clouds.
A lot of people at these events are either survivors or have lost loved ones. Show your support and concern by choosing to not light up for the event.

WWJD (What Would James Do?),
Mike

Or a vehicle that burns fossil fuels that will kill as well. Hope you walked there wearing organic clothing hand woven. Get too close to most things and you will breathe things you shouldn't. Back off a few steps and you will have clean air. Tolerance children, tolerance.

I think it would be out of bounds for the ACS to demand that their events be non smoking as one can support the cause in many other aspects. If I had millions to give to the association and I personally smoke, I sure that they would accept my money as it would go for the common good. There are many people who line the routes of a marathon who have never run a step in adulthood. It's about the cause. I support the cause for cancer research, programs and education. But if I choose to smoke, it's my choice, just like eating red meat or fatty foods.

With the above said, I do respect people desires not to have to deal with my cigar smoke. I frequent establishments that allow for cigar smoking. But as long as there is no ban on outdoor smoking (like in Maryland) and I feel like a smoke, I will.

Here we go again, Sam!:smoke I don't feel they should ban smoking. The ACS is trying to raise money for a good cause. Imagine the increased price to society if they turn away help.

That having been said, I can think of very little in life that would be more tacky or taistless than lighting up at an American Cancer Society event. Should they really have to come out and say "This is a non-smoking event."

Hope I didn't offend anyone, :doh
Mike

Ah yes Mike...it seems we are on opposite sides of an issue once again! I agree with you that there's probably nothing more tacky and tasteless than lighting up at an ACS event, but should they really have to come right out and say it? You betcha, as long as there are inconsiderate, thoughtless smokers out there who would do this!

I believe that the ACS, being the organization that has taken the lead in persuading people to quit smoking, is well within its rights to request that individuals participating in its events not smoke. To not do so reflects poorly on the organization. This should not be a "do as we say, not as some of our volunteers and guests do" issue. One earlier poster said that those of us who are against smoking in this sort of venue are "intolerant". That's an absurd generalization. I'm an ex-smoker and I absolutely hate the attitude of those "holier than thou" militant ex-smokers and nonsmokers toward smokers. I'm not one of those people. Moreover, I know how hard it is to quit; it took me two times to quit for good. That said, there are some places in which NOBODY should be lighting up. To me, any function sponsored by the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, or any other charitable organization that encourages tobacco cessation as part of their policies fall into that category.

Damn, you guys must be young. I'm only 44 and when I was in my 20's ALL cars had at least 4 ash trays.

Airplanes too. :laugh

Hot Rod Sporty - about 1/3 of cancers are caused by the use of tobacco products and another 1/3 are related to to obesity, lack of exercise, and poor diet.

http://www.nypcancerprevention.com/issue/5/con/features/cancer-surpasses-heart-di.shtml

--Chris



Be careful how you use the word 'caused'. There are something called "oncogenes" that seem to predispose certain individuals to cancer. These genes can be 'activated' be exposure to certain chemicals, cigarette smoke, and many other 'activators'. It's not really that well understood exactly how this interaction occurs, and obviously, someone who has these oncogenes AND smokes is at higher risk, but it's well known that some people smoke their whole lives and never get cancer, while some people who have never smoked, and never lived with someone who smokes, live in an environment with minimal air pollution, and they still get lung cancer. Family history, and the presence or absence of these oncogenes plays a very large role in development of cancer.

Believe me I know what I'm talking about....I discuss these issues on a daily basis with Oncologists.....It's what I do....

If you say that 1/3 of all LUNG cancer can be LINKED to use of tobacco products, your statement might be believeable.

Come on Hot Rod ! It would be so tacky to bring asbestos with you to the fund raiser and create giant dust clouds.
A lot of people at these events are either survivors or have lost loved ones. Show your support and concern by choosing to not light up for the event.

WWJD (What Would James Do?),
Mike


I wouldn't go and smoke at an ACS fundraiser, but I don't think that they can dictate that NO ONE there can and expect to have the same level of participation. If someone has a family member that is suffering from cancer, maybe brain cancer, or breast cancer, or colorectal cancer, and wants to support ACS, but is a regular smoker, who are we or them to say that that person can't step away from the crowd by themselves and smoke a cigarette.


REMEMBER: THERE ARE OTHER FORMS OF CANCER OTHER THAN LUNG CANCER THAT ARE COMPLETELY UNRELATED TO SMOKING CIGARETTES. THE ACS FUNDS RESEARCH IN CANCER OTHER THAN LUNG, MOUTH, AND THROAT CANCER.....

Yes. If they smoke (and I'm an ex-smoker) they can chew nicotine gum if they can't hold out during the event.

Yes. If they smoke (and I'm an ex-smoker) they can chew nicotine gum if they can't hold out during the event.

Once, again...IMO if you tell people that they're gonna have to go out and spend $45 on a pack of nicotine gum to attend an event, your participation and fundraising are gonna drop...

Just for the record, I think it would be distasteful for someone to go to this type of event and smoke openly, too. I'm just saying that they're not gonna do (prohibit smoking) it because they're there to raise money, not to dictate anyone's personal habits.

Hot Rod Sporty Quote:
I wouldn't go and smoke at an ACS fundraiser, but I don't think that they can dictate that NO ONE there can and expect to have the same level of participation. If someone has a family member that is suffering from cancer, maybe brain cancer, or breast cancer, or colorectal cancer, and wants to support ACS, but is a regular smoker, who are we or them to say that that person can't step away from the crowd by themselves and smoke a cigarette.

OK Hot Rod, You and I are once again seeing eye to eye.


Sportster Sam Quote:
Ah yes Mike...it seems we are on opposite sides of an issue once again! I agree with you that there's probably nothing more tacky and tasteless than lighting up at an ACS event, but should they really have to come right out and say it? You betcha, as long as there are inconsiderate, thoughtless smokers out there who would do this!

Sam... Evidently you and I don't disagree as much as I had originally thought (or hoped.) The way I see it, our only disagreement is whether or not it should become ACS policy.

Mike

Be careful how you use the word 'caused'. There are something called "oncogenes" that seem to predispose certain individuals to cancer. These genes can be 'activated' be exposure to certain chemicals, cigarette smoke, and many other 'activators'. It's not really that well understood exactly how this interaction occurs, and obviously, someone who has these oncogenes AND smokes is at higher risk, but it's well known that some people smoke their whole lives and never get cancer, while some people who have never smoked, and never lived with someone who smokes, live in an environment with minimal air pollution, and they still get lung cancer. Family history, and the presence or absence of these oncogenes plays a very large role in development of cancer.

Believe me I know what I'm talking about....I discuss these issues on a daily basis with Oncologists.....It's what I do....

If you say that 1/3 of all LUNG cancer can be LINKED to use of tobacco products, your statement might be believeable.

I wasn't trying to twist the meaning. Here is the exact quote from the linked page:

Many cancers are preventable—about a third are due to the use of tobacco products and another third are related to obesity, lack of exercise, and poor diet.

It says due to, I used the word caused. My mistake.

--Chris

Or a vehicle that burns fossil fuels that will kill as well. Hope you walked there wearing organic clothing hand woven. Get too close to most things and you will breathe things you shouldn't. Back off a few steps and you will have clean air. Tolerance children, tolerance.

Should you bring your vehicle into the event? Should you flaughnt the fact that you are not wearing organic clothes? Should you purposely polute the air at the event?

My disagreement isn't over "clean air." My point is that you shouldn't smoke at an ACS because there may be people at the event whose lives have been destroyed by smoking, and I think that it is in poor taste to light up at the event. Excuse yourself from the event for a few minutes. Compasion children, compasion.

I am all for smokers' rights, even though I don't smoke. But if you don't exercise good judgement, you will force the hand of "Smoke Nazis." I just think we need fewer laws, and more common sense.

Mike

As there might be people whose life was destroyed by obesity. I guess overweight people should excuse themselves. The point has been made that as long as you are bringing money the ACS isn't banning smoking. Arguing whether or not it is in poor taste is a waste of time.

I smoke, I understand that many people don't want to be around it. Would I attend a function that banned smoking? Absolutely not, and I've contributed as much as I could to these types of events as often as I could. I also believe that if you don't want me to smoke somewhere, fine, but remove the taxes on it. Here in ohio I'm a social outcast, yet the cigg tax is crazy high. Talk about hypocracy, don't smoke ehre, but build our stuff for us, thank you.
Stop the smoker, not the manufacturers. Stop the smoker, not the big companies polluting the water tables. Stop the smoker, not everything else....why you ask... because smokers are individuals, much easier targets. Do I seem sensitive to this? You bet, my uncle died recently of cancer, he was like my big brother, he never smoked a day in his life, wasn't around cig smoke very often. He worked on the railroad, which isn't regulated to any degree by the EPA because such a large portion of our goods move by rail. It's all about money and making a show of doing something about exposure to carcenogens. Even if I successfully quit, I will never attend anything that bans smoking. Ban the manufacturers from making the product that kills so many people. Ban the government from taking huge profits from it, just leave me the hell alone.

I wasn't trying to twist the meaning. Here is the exact quote from the linked page:



It says due to, I used the word caused. My mistake.

--Chris



Yeah, that bit of info is a very broad, sweeping generalization. It's very difficult to nail down a specific reason in many cases, mainly because there are a number of possibilities, and could be due to multiple factors.

Of course, we should all not smoke, not eat fried foods, eat raw green organic vegetables and organically raised beef, pork, fish, and chicken, stay out of the sun, etc.. It's good advice. It comes down to each individuals choice as to the extent with which we follow it.

Butt suckers...a bunch of friggin' junkies. :p :)